Abstract

1. Social functioning and general psychopathology were predictors of quality of life (QOL) 12 months after hospital discharge in patients with severe mental illness (SMI). 2. Patients rehospitalised for relapse were associated with non-compliance with prescribed treatment, poor physical health, and inadequate personal and community living skills. 3. A dynamic interplay of the empowering/disempowering experiences with regard to spark of hope to carry on with life, a desire to move from institutional to community living, redefining oneself, a willingness to volunteer, and engagement in treatment that enhance or hinder recovery resulted in improved/deteriorated QOL in community living or readmission. 4. Clinical and personal recovery in patients with SMI is complementary. 5. Empowerment is the key to personal recovery.